What does the term 'data at rest' encompass?

The term 'data at rest' refers specifically to data that is stored and not actively moving between devices or networks. This includes information saved on hard drives, backup tapes, cloud storage, or any other form of data storage. The essence of data at rest is that it is inactive and not in the process of being utilized or transmitted, making it crucial for understanding data security and management practices.

When considering the context of digital security, recognizing the different states of data—at rest, in transit, and in use—helps organizations implement the appropriate security measures. Data at rest usually requires stringent protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access, as it can include sensitive information that, if compromised, can lead to breaches of privacy and data integrity.

The other options refer to different states of data or contexts that do not fit within the definition of data at rest. For instance, data being processed by applications or currently being analyzed is actively used, while data sent over the internet pertains to data in transit. Thus, the correct choice accurately reflects the understanding of data that remains inactive in storage.